My report on the Uniden 980 SSB

02blackss · Sep 15, 2015

After having the 980 for 2 weeks now, here are my thoughts on the CB.

It is a well thought out, modern unit which in stock form is not too bad. I paired it up with a Wilson 1000 mag mount antenna and have a SWR around 1.2 to 1.4 across all 40 channels.

Last weekend I made a contact on LSB channel 38 in North Carolina, I am in Brampton Ontario Canada. Obviously some skip, but impressive to me.

I maxed out both the AM and SSB pots with the help of a power meter and some fine tuning. I was getting a solid 5 watts dead key on AM and about 15 to 18 watts swing on SSB.

I am so happy with the unit I think I will buy another one to set up as a base in my house.

I am also going to purchase a higher quality Astatic Mic as well.

I know there have been some bad reviews, but it has been good to me so far.

Cheers.

Jason

k8krh · Sep 16, 2015

SOUNDS good, I have read many reviews and very few negatives, the one's that are negative seem to be from lids anyhow.

See you on the AIRWAYS...
DOCTOR/795

krokus · Sep 16, 2015

Good to hear a nice review of the radio. I have been considering buying one, as it would be nice to have some new capabilities than my 18+ year old model offers.

Sent via Tapatalk

jassing · Sep 16, 2015

I have been running mine (unmodified) for a couple years now; I really like it -- I (too) bought a second for the house; I use the scanning more in the house than in the truck. Even my wife is considering one for her car -- it's not as "ugly" as regular cb's (her words).

I really wish it would scan across bands rather than just w/in one. (scan AM & lsb for instance) but other than that; the radios have performed well.

I run the truck with a 5' firestick on the right side of the cab (left side has a scanner antenna, I wanted transmit away from scanner, so I compromised).
Not the best at getting out; but looks good & sounds good & works for me.

Not many people around here use them, so most of the time I listen to the scanner rather than CB; but it's always nice to talk to a real person from time to time.

kc4jgc · Sep 17, 2015

jassing said:
I really wish it would scan across bands rather than just w/in one. (scan AM & lsb for instance) but other than that; the radios have performed well.

Since there is only ONE BAND this sentence doesn't make sense. The channels are the same; the modes are different. That being said, there is LEGALLY no preferred mode of operation for specific channels. There was only a "gentleman's agreement" across North America that channels 16-18 (some areas ch 15) and later channels 36-40 were primarily set aside for ssb ops.

It's good to hear that someone else is now producing an am/ssb rig. If I ever get another CB, it will have ssb capability. I can choose between Cobra and now Uniden. Galaxy, while they look nice are WAY overpriced. My last CB rig was a Realistic TRC-451 am/ssb, sold in the early 80's.

Even though I drive a big rig I have no real interest in talking to other drivers unless it's to another driver in my particular fleet. I currently have my 10 meter mobile in there.

jodoak · Sep 18, 2015

I have the Uniden Bearcat 980SSB as a base with a Astatic D104-M6B mic and they make a formidable pair. I turned mine down to 1 watt and let the fun begin. I live in Western NY and have talked with people in California, even someone on the Pacific Ocean west of Catalina Island. Of course, good ole skip. This one will eventually go in my truck.

jassing · Sep 18, 2015

Just curious -- how did you turn yours down?

jodoak · Sep 19, 2015

jassing said:
Just curious -- how did you turn yours down?

Remove the bottom cover, careful of the speaker wires and near the rear of the radio, right side, look for Pot RT-206 and adjust accordingly. That is your AM power.

jassing · Sep 19, 2015

Nice. Thanks for sharing....

prcguy · Sep 23, 2015

I was given a 980 recently and my first impression when the previous owner had it was junk. Now that I've played with it, got rid of the stupid beep and tweaked the AM mod and SSB ALC it gets good reports and seems to be an ok radio. Especially considering they are only a little more than $100 new. I wish something like this was available 40yrs ago when I used to play more with these things.
prcguy

jassing · Sep 23, 2015

what was wrong with the AM and ssb?

prcguy · Sep 24, 2015

Most people said it sounded ok but needed to be louder, even with the mic gain maxed out. The radio was not reaching 100% mod on a scope so I adjusted the AM mod limiter and now everyone says it sounds better and has a bit more punch. SSB power was about 10w peak and opening up the ALC got it to at least rated power.

Otherwise its not too bad for a bone stock radio with supplied mic.
prcguy

jassing said:
what was wrong with the AM and ssb?

BaofengScanner · Oct 13, 2015

I have on love it, keep it on SSB most of the time. Turned the POT as well to get the most power out of it but other than that haven't really felt the need to modify it or anything. Runs great.

k8krh · Nov 5, 2015

I finally got the UNIDEN and mounted it in the vehicle with my WILSON 1000. Skip was in today, on channel 39, talked to CALIFORNIA and OREGON on SSB, worked great. I did turn the ALC up a bit for ssb to 14 watts, satisfied with the radio. It is a keeper.
DOCTOR/795

Seven-Delta-FortyOne · Nov 5, 2015

I have one in the truck. I really like it. I use it for local comms mostly, though. I haven't tuned it or tried skip yet.

I got the wireless mic for it as well. It's pretty darn cool.

Delta

jassing · Nov 6, 2015

The wireless mic isn't 'too big' or 'too heavy'? The idea of being cord-free is appealing, but the picture makes it look a bit bulky..

Seven-Delta-FortyOne · Nov 7, 2015

jassing said:
The wireless mic isn't 'too big' or 'too heavy'? The idea of being cord-free is appealing, but the picture makes it look a bit bulky..

Not at all. It's far lighter than a handi-talkie, and about the size of the standard mic.

Delta

My report on the Uniden 980 SSB

02blackss

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k8krh

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krokus

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jassing

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kc4jgc

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jodoak

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jassing

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jodoak

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jassing

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prcguy

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jassing

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prcguy

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BaofengScanner

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k8krh

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Seven-Delta-FortyOne

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jassing

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